49ers' Lynch Rejects Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk Trade Calls amid NFL Draft Rumors
April 27, 2024
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters Friday that he "didn't entertain" trade talks involving wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL draft.
"We didn't entertain any of that today," Lynch said, per Cam Inman of the Mercury News. "We're happy with our wide receiver group. Actually, more than happy. We're thrilled with it. And thrilled to add Ricky to it to make it stronger"
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Thursday that the 49ers "had conversations with teams" about trading either Samuel or Aiyuk, although San Francisco stayed pat at No. 31 and selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall instead.
Pearsall was coming off an impressive senior season at Florida, hauling in 65 receptions for 965 yards and a touchdown.
While the selection resulted in more speculation regarding the future of Aiyuk and Samuel, Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media Thursday that no trades came close to happening despite acknowledging that discussions took place (via ESPN's Nick Wagoner).
Lynch added that the front office continues to have positive talks with Aiyuk regarding a potential long-term contract.
The veteran receivers didn't appear to be upset with the selection either, as Aiyuk called the choice a "fire pick" in a text message that was sent to Lynch and Shanahan (per Wagoner).
While he was aware of the trade rumors, Samuel was also calm when he found out about San Francisco selecting another receiver and expressed his openness about remaining with the organization.
"I know what's going on, but it is what it is," he told Russini on Friday. "I'm good staying with them. I'm chilling."
If all three players are still on the roster by the time training camp begins, the 49ers will enter the 2024 season with one of the NFL's top wide receiver trios. With Brock Purdy under center, San Francisco will look to defend its NFC title and secure a Super Bowl victory after narrowly falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in Feb. 2024.